About me!

Calling all secret bandits!!! I thought it would be cool to fill out this survey as a way for your super secret bandit to learn more about you!!! (And maybe some of you out whose brain cells haven't been fried by a summer full of SVU and Grey's Anatomy marathons could come up with a more "bandit specific" questionnaire. You know, to make it a little easier for us to find the perfect gifts to send??)

Oh, and I totally stole this from Sam!!


1. What is your occupation right now ?

High School Spanish teacher (but I don't have to be "me" for two more weeks!!)


2.What color are your socks right now?

Ha!! I don't have to wear socks for two more weeks!!! But when I do they have to match my pants...which usually match my shoes.


3. What are you listening to right now?

What sounds like a roll of quarters rolling around in the dryer and the hubs playing football on Xbox.


4. What was the last thing that you ate?

A pepperoni. Followed by a huge gulp of water. Which didn't end pretty.


5. Can you drive a stick shift?

Oh YES!!

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?

Habeeb @ the gas station when I ordered Chris' pizza!!


7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?

I am a thief...but yeah...she's awesome!!!


8. How old are you today?

29....well, ok......31


9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?

Foosball


10. What is your favorite drink?

Coffee


11. Have you ever dyed your hair?

Gotta cover those grays!!


12. Favourite food?

Chips and salsa....
13. What is the last movie you watched?

The new "True Grit"



14. Favourite day of the year?

The first and last days of school!!!


15. How do you vent anger?

Cry, scream, cry some more.


16. What was your favourite toy as a child?

A baby doll named Snott (with two t's) that I STILL sleep with. And believe me, she is raggedy!!


17. What is your favorite season?

football season


18. Cherries or Blueberries?

Neither!!! Give me blackberries!!!


19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?

C'mon peeps....let us know all your secrets!!


20. Where is you favorite place to escape?

The lake


21. Favorite TV Show?

Grey's


22. Living arrangements?

House with hubby and Chihuahua babies.


23. When was the last time you cried?

Earlier today. I'm still a wreck. Waterworks at the drop of a hat.


24. What is on the floor of your closet?

You name it, it's probably there. By far the messiest room in the house!!


25. Who is the friend you have had the longest?

Amy aka Rabbit...


26. What did you do last night?

Stayed in with the hubs!!
27. What are you most afraid of?

Snakes....and brake failure


28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?

ahhh burgers...cheese fo' sho'.


29. Favourite dog breed?

Chihuahua


30. Favourite day of the week?

Saturday (and Friday nights under the lights!!!)


31. How many states have you lived in?

Texas. It IS the only state, right???


32. Diamonds or pearls?

I'd have to pick diamonds....but I am really a Ruby girl!!


33. What is your favourite flower?

Hibiscus

The blame game/weekly weigh-in

Again, with the sideways pic??

Yeah, well the scale is UP. So, let's play the blame game. First, let's blame TOM. He's been camped out for 11 - ELEVEN - friggin' days. And shows no sign of leaving. Ugh. Second, let's blame the three Mexican themed meals in the past two days. Cheese, cheese and more cheese. Not to mention tortilla chips by the pound. And cheese. Finally, the birthday cake. Or, to be more specific, ICING. Creamy chocolate icing.

But, now I am overcoming my transgressions - well, at least the ones I can control. I've given the cake away. I'm just saying NO to Mexican. In fact, my band is mad at me this morning. I got stuck on my first sip of coffee. So, I will be doing liquids for a few days just to give my poor overworked band a rest. Thank goodness my birthday only comes around once a year!!!

All-in-all this gain isn't as bad as it would have been pre-band. I probably would have eaten the whole cake instead of the icing!!!

I've set a mini-goal for myself. Originally I wanted to lose 38 pounds this summer....BUT I haven't. SO I want to lose 10 pounds by the time I go back to school (in two weeks....three weeks with students)....so I am going to:

• Drink my water. At least 64 oz/day. Shooting for 100
• Exercise like a fiend
• 3 miles @ the track in the morning
• Biggest loser 3 times a week
• Zumba 3 times a week
• Strength training with my bands
• No junk: Cheetos, m&ms, fried crap, take out....

So ladies, YOU have a job. Be wonderfully supportive like always - it helps keep me accountable!!!

Yep, I'm aging backwards...

So I made the executive decision to start aging backwards. Today I am not turning 31...I'm 29!! It's my body, so I can do what I want to...right???

I fear this Sunday's BOOBS weigh-in will be a catastrophe... peanut M&M's to drown my sorrows on Thursday, birthday lunch with Mom yesterday, cake last night, birthday dinner with the hubs (who wants a cute "blog nickname" like Rambo!) and maybe more cake. Oh well, it's not like I eat like this all the time. Once a year to splurge!!!

We decided last night that I will make an appointment with my GYN on Monday. I want him to go over my blood work results with me, consult about the cysts on my ovary and if he feels surgery is necessary I want HIM to perform it. I trust him and his scalpel. I barely have a scar from the last surgery. Then I want him to refer me to another specialist for a second opinion. The alternative is me picking one out of the yellow pages - not a good idea!!

I think if there is some miraculous chance that we will be able to get pregnant I still want to pursue adoption. There are just so many children out there that I would love to be able to give one a chance at life. I had a Sunday School teacher in high school that struggled with fertility, decided to adopt and while the birth mom was carrying their daughter, she became pregnant. They were blessed with two daughters, 6 months apart!!

Yesterday Mom took me birthday shopping. It has been a tradition since I started teaching that we go to Manning's and I get to pick out "school supplies!" I think this is the sole reason I became a teacher...I love school supplies!! We then took off to the mall for school clothes. I am proud to say that I bought 5 pairs of pants....all size 14!! AND 5 tops...size XL!! AND a new pair of shoes...size 9!!! Which is crazy...I was wearing a size 10 before...and when I tried on the 10's they were way too big!!! NSVs make me happy!!! Now all I have to do is have my personal tailor (my mother-in-law) hem my pants. I must have the strangest inseam because petite and short sizes are too short, but regulars are too long. Weirdness!!!!

I also have a closet full of clothes that I need to take the time and take pics of for the Sisterhood. Stay tuned, if you are a size 16-18 will I have some "teacher-ish" clothes for you!!! Most of them have been worn just one or two times...if that!!!

Now, I'm off to make myself presentable...off to my birthday lunch and a trip to Wally world. (Hubs already bought me a stick mixer....and it makes my Syntrax shakes drinkable!!!) Then a birthday nap and pool time.

Crazy? I got your crazy!

A little ditty where we answer a few questions on Friday to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog if you so desire! Enjoy!




1. Sun or rain? Roses or tulips? Romantic movie or comedy?



I love the rain...especially when I am at home and can be lazy. But here in Texas rain brings pterodactyl-sized skeeters...seriously, they will carry you away!!

As far as movies, it depends on my mood. I do love to laugh, but I am a sucker for romance!!




2. I've been sick lately and haven't eaten in two days - except for ice cream...which leads me to ask - what's your favorite ice cream flavor?



I'm not a big ice cream eater. BUT if I had to choose....Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla. (Plain and boring, but delicious!)


3. Are you a door locker - in your house and car?



My husband is a FANATIC!! OCD-ish.  When we go to bed every night I get the same questions: Did you lock the front door or did I? Or you sure? Do you need to go check? What about the back door? Did you push on it? Are you sure it's locked??
When I lived at home I never locked my car...I would even leave my purse and keys in it!! But now we lock it...You'd think we live in the inner city and not out here in BFE!!!


4. In the spirit of my being sick and wanting to die - tell me your "go to remedies" for when you are sick?


I used to "tough" it out...all but overdose on over-the-counter meds...but hey, I pay for my health insurance...I take my butt to the doctor and get the good stuff!!!


5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blog land and in real life.

Blog life has been a crutch for me this week. I've gotten some awesome support here and I love every one of you ladies.




Real life…  has been craptastic. Hands down worst week of my life.

As one door closes...

First of all, I want to sincerely thank each one of you that lent support during this difficult time. Your words, thoughts, and prayers mean so much to me. I started this blog as a means of support and accountability on my journey to a new, healthier me. Of course, as we all know, losing weight isn't the only thing we are focused on. Life happens. Good and bad.

In my nearly 31 years on this earth finding out that we can't have a child of our own is hands-down the hardest thing we have ever faced. It's something that happens to other people. But now, we are the "other people." Wednesday was the worst day of my life. I felt robbed, empty. I couldn't bring myself to tell Chris's mom. She called and texted and I just ignored my phone. I let Chris tell her when he got home from work.

Yesterday I kept the front door closed. I didn't want company. I finally got dressed and went to town - because Thursday is B12 shot day. I went by and saw my Mom, but I didn't stay long. I didn't want the women in her office asking questions or giving condolences. I'm just not ready to hear that from people right now.

Mom, however, offered me a ray of hope. Her hairdresser has had great luck with adoption. Going through Texas CPS she has adopted 3 children. She and her husband are willing to help us any way they can. I've already started the ball rolling. I've filled out all the paperwork possible on the website. Now we will wait to take the next step.

So, as one door closes - one dream snuffed out, another door is opening. Now, instead of struggling with fertility - the waiting to see if I'm late, tons of negative pregnancy tests, dealing with hearing how everyone in Chris's family feels so sorry for his sister and brother-in-law (they have been trying to get pregnant with no success, and are trying IVF) - I guess they all see us as the barren couple who don't care if they have kids...just because I don't chose to plaster my fertility issues all over facebook - we have hope. Hope to be a family. Hope to give a child a loving home.

Again, you ladies are awesome. Thank you so much for being there for me. Thank you for being you.

Today...

I had the followup appointment with the Fertility Specialist. It was a quick appointment - just to give me the results of the bloodwork.

To catch you up, here's my fertility story:

• Chris and I got married in 2003. I wasn't working full-time so we didn't start trying for children right away.
• In 2004, I started teaching, got insurance and so we decided to start trying.
• I was instantly late...but not pregnant.
• I didn't have my TOM for the entire school year.
• January of 2006 I went to the OB/GYN for the first time. I was diagnosed with PCOS. They told me to lose weight, take my meds (metformin, clomid, vitamins) and give it time.
• After years of trying we got frustrated, gave up.
• Fast forward to November 2010 - I had severe abdominal pains, they found a cyst, had it removed.
• Followup from surgery: Dr. said even though I lost my right ovary and tube my left side looked ok. He then referred me to the fertility specialist.
• Appointment #1 with specialist: while doing the ultrasound she found 4 small cysts on my left ovary but could see that I was about to ovulate. (Needless to say I was on cloud nine - my ovary was working.)

Today's bloodwork report...they had taken 12 vials of blood and checked for everything under the sun. She started going over the reports with me....blah blah blah blah...I honestly don't remember what was said other than the fact the I have something called Premature Ovarian Aging. In other words, my ovary is a lot older than I am. Or something like that. Simply put: There are no more eggs in my ovary. No eggs = no babies.

Devastation doesn't even begin to describe what I am feeling. The rest of the visit consisted of me trying my best not to break down in front of the doctor. I was successful. I made it to the parking lot before I had a meltdown.

According to the paperwork I walked out of the office with she wants to operate on my remaining ovary to remove the cysts. Seriously? What's the point? AND I'm pre-diabetic. She gave me a prescription for metformin. AND I have orders to lose 10-20% of my body weight, eat a high protein low fat diet, and exercise 5 days a week.

I think at the point where she told me I couldn't get pregnant she stopped being my doctor. I obviously don't need a fertility specialist now that we know I am not fertile.

Then, I had to tell Chris. Over the phone. And my mom. I really don't feel like telling anyone else. Except you guys. I figured blogging it out might help me cope...or accept...or something. I don't know. Everything is kind of a fog right now.

Adoption is an option. We had always talked about it....as a contigency plan. There are so many kids out there that need loving parents.

I have never felt this empty in my entire life. There will never be a little girl with my curls and Chris's blue eyes running underfoot. I won't ever have morning sickness or crazy food cravings. I won't ever get to feel my baby kicking and moving inside of me. There's just so much I feel I'm missing out on.

Sorry to dump my depression on you guys. I just need an outlet.

today sucks.

Just wanted to share that with you. I will go into more detail later.

Why, thank you!!

So, I received a compliment yesterday from Chris's not-so-gracious family. They said I was "looking good." Not to my face, of course.  In front of my mother-in-law who relayed it to me. These are the same people who will smile to your face while waiting for the first opportunity to stab you in the back.(I could rant and rave about them all day, but I won't!!)  I must confess, I do say some not-so-nice things about these people....but geez, they can be just plain rotten. Of course, I think all of the negativity makes their lives miserable. I mean, who wouldn't be miserable??? I can't live my life being a Negative Nancy!!!! I like to think of myself as a Positive Patty....MOST of the time!!! (Hence the overwhelming number of exclamation points in my life!!!)

And my Daddy (who's blood pressure is right on target these days) saw me and said, "Well hey there slim!" He always makes me smile =)

I ordered a Syntrax sampler pack on Saturday. Some "juicy" style protein powder. I'm back on the Special K pre-mixed chocolate stuff....even if it doesn't have enough protein at least I don't gag when I drink it!! (Even though Chris says it's not supposed to taste good and I should just suck it up!!!)

I'm on day two of not being very hungry at all. (Hallelujah!!) Yesterday I had a protein shake around 11 and then I picked at a grilled chicken salad for supper. (Oh, and I ate the edge off of ONE brownie.) I am currently sipping on a shake now...just because my tummy was making some really strange noises!!!

It's weird, because some days I feel that if I don't eat I will pass out...and others I could care less about food at all. I wonder why that is???

For now I have to get dressed and go do the grownup thing: pay bills...barf. Toodles!!!!

Back to Basics - Week 4 & Productivity



IDK why it's sideways....

 So I hopped out of bed this morning, did my weigh-in first thing (a loss of 4.2 pounds this week...woot!) and instead of camping out in front of the computer I became a house cleaning machine!!! I dusted, swept, mopped, did laundry. And not just the living room and the kitchen...bedroom and bathroom too!!! I feel accomplished!!!

Now for the rest of the day I plan to be super lazy!!! My sweet hubby took the trash to the dump (he is still sweet even though he didn't want to go to the store and get detergent and batteries for me!!!)

Last night while watching True Grit (the new one - I liked it!!) I ate supper. I had two pieces of smoked turkey breast and two snack bags of Cheetos. Yes, they are my weakness...and that is why I only bought the snack size bags!!! If I bought a big bag then the thought of them in the cabinet would consume me!!! I actually only ate one slice of turkey (first bite was too big, didn't chew enough and it was slime city!!!) And the dogs shared one of the bags of Cheetos....so all in all  not too bad!!!!

I guess today officially starts my "birthday week" but as I get older I kinda just want to forget about it!!! Although I am sticking to my original idea of aging backwards....so Saturday I will be 29!!! Hubby has plans to take me out "somewhere other that Casa Olé" which is our usual haunt. We will probably end up at Gander Mtn. and Academy...because every time we go to the "big city" we always have to go!!!

Well, as you can tell, life is boring around here. So, I'm off to be a bum. Have a fantabulous Sunday!!!

Swamp People & BYOC

We stood in line for four hours!!! But, we finally made our way up to catch a glimpse and take some pics with the men (and QUEEN) of the swamp!!! It was pretty awesome!!!


"Lizbeth" the Gator Queen!!!

 Sad story is, I had posted some of my pics on Facebook and some "people" snagged them and posted them as their own!! (I don't know why, but that really ticks me off) So, I deleted all of them and went back and put a watermark on them...Take that, Picture Stealers!!!



The Swamp hottie...Tommy Chauvin!!!
(looks like Kid Rock w/o the greasy long hair to me!)


and BYOC brought to you by Drazil



It’s BYOC day! Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer a few questions to get to know each other better and to give our blog brains a break! Copy and paste to your own blog and enjoy!!


1. Alright – forgive me – we’re gonna get a little personal here. I was flipping through my organizer and saw in big bright letters “ANNUAL PHYSICAL DUE” coming up soon. Then I remembered that last year my lady bits doc said that since I haven’t had a bad pap in so many years – that I don’t have to come back for another 3 years if I don’t want to. What the what? Did you guys know that?


No speculum in the vaginulum?


Anywhoozle – it sounds all good but really – do any of you follow this medical rule? Do you go every three years if you’ve never had a bad pap?


I went for my first pap when I was 25 - when we started trying for a baby. After getting disgusted with doctors and crapola (not to mention the very uncomfortable hsg test) I threw my hands up and went into hiding.
Then the ugly basketball sized cyst (I DO have pics..maybe I will post them one day!!)  reared its ugly head last November...and in the meantime I have been violated in every way possible.
Now that were are seeing a fertility specialist I am becoming BFFs with the stirrups!!!

2. If you read, what are you reading right now? Or how about what is your fave music right now?


I LOVE to read!!! During the school year I don't have time, but during the Summer I try to catch up. Recent reads (or rereads): Cell - Stephen King; A Stolen Life - Jaycee Duggard; Insomnia - Stephen King; Desperation - Stephen King; Duma Key - Stephen King; Just After Sunset: Stephen King; Lover Avenged - JR Ward (if you like vampires/romance The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is  MUST READ!!)

I also am a huge music junky. My ipod is always close to me...right now my "jams" are: George Strait: Here for a Good Time; Jason Aldean ft. Ludacris: Dirt Road Anthem; Kenny Chesney ft. Grace Potter: You and Tequila; Foster the People: Pumped Up Kicks; Eric Church: Homeboy; Enrique Iglesias: I Like It
As you can tell, I'm mostly into country, but I'm pretty open-minded. If it has a good beat - especially something I can workout to, then I'm all about it!!!


3. Name some of your favorite smells.


I love the smell of cows, pigs and hay. (Farm girl!!!) The smell of freshly cut grass and burning leaves in the fall. The fresh smell when the first cool front passes through.
AND Acqua di Gio for men....Yummy!!!


4. Showers or baths? Shampoo only or shampoo & conditioner? Shave daily or just when you start feeling and looking like an ape?


Showers ONLY. It's just not sanitary to sit in dirty butt water. (I just HAD to have a garden tub...and it's never used!!!)
I legs and arms every other day (unless it's winter...then it's seldom!!) AND armpits daily!!!

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blogland.


Real life: This week was great. Got my fill Monday, the scale has been good to me all week. And I was able to share my WLS story with two young women who are thinking about joining the club. And of course I'm entertained nightly with some seriously crazy dreams!!!! Oh, and I got to meet Swamp People (and get pics and autographs!!)



Trigger Tommy and Trapper Joe; Junior, Sherrie and Willie Edwards; Liz "Lizbeth" Choate


In blog-land: Everything has been peachy!! I've got some WONDERFUL new followers...even though they may think I'm a lunatic with my dreams!!!!

You HAVE to see this!!!

Lady Wowza


I promise, if you need a laugh today THIS will do it!!!!

Just Killing Time

I got a last minute call this morning to come and sit with my grandparents today. So, here I sit - waiting for 4:00...then I will go sit at my mom's and wait for the satellite repairman. She's having a fit because Swamp People come on tonight!!! She told me today, "I've GOT to watch Swamp People. It's like Dallas." That's what I call surefire obsession!!! But it's cute!!

AND we are having a girls' night out tomorrow. This is a big deal because neither of us ever go out after dark. BUT we are going to meet the people from the swamp...so there is an exception.

I made the executive decision yesterday to speed up the post-fill diet. So last night I had about 2 ounces of very tender pork chop...that I chewed it to oblivion - no problemos. For lunch today I had one (count 'em ONE) turkey sausage. I was seriously satisfied with only one. (Can we say green zone, perhaps??)

Tonight is night two of C25K. My thighs are not screaming quite as loudly today...I guess that is why they suggest you skip a day between runs.

My newest goal: Lay off the exclamation points. I seriously think I'm addicted to them!! <--SEE I can never just put one...because I am just so excited all the time.

Oh, and I thought I would share last night's dream with you. (I think this is now going to be my outlet for all dreams crazy and strange...so you guys can interpret them for me!!) 

I was in some small town where everyone knew everyone...Mayberry?? A company had built a giant spaceship/flying saucer thing and it was the grand opening. Almost everyone in the town went, but I didn't. I was suspicious of the whole thing. Inside people were playing games and whatnot then at some point they all had to climb in their very own tank of gel-goo stuff. These people were going to steal their skin. They came and got me, drug me aboard but I managed to escape. They then used a bunch of clones to try to lure me back to the ship, but I buckled myself to the side of a building. In the middle of the night the ship took off. It shook the ground and there were flashes of bright light. All of the townspeople that were left came outside but had been brainwashed so they did not realize what was actually happening. They just thought it was a freak lightening storm.

So, yeah. That's me. Going to bed on an empty stomach. I almost crave the usual first-day-of-school nightmares that usually start about now.

Peace, love and chicken grease!!!

150.07

NO, my scale isn't doing a magic trick. I'm holding steady at 222.2. That is how much my stupid $#*!ing door handle cost ME. It wasn't the fault of the guy at the lube shop. He was just the one who "touched it last" Stupid GM and their stupid plastic parts. Seriously, let's make the thing on the vehicle that is touched the most out of crappy plastic.

AND when I went to pick it up we were early. So, my mother-in-law said take me to Sonic so I can get a burger. Then I had to sit and smell it, and watch and listen (smack smack smack) to her eat it. Argh. But I can home, heated up 1/2 cup of my potato soup. AND I was "finished" before I was finished!!! WOOT!!

NSV: I tried on the work pants I was wearing when school let out....size 16. Guess what?? ALL too big!!! Hurrah!!! Size 14 here I come!!!

I did the first night of Couch25k last night. I was sweating bullets and wanting to quit by the 2nd 60 second run...but I didn't. I finished it and LOVED myself afterwards!!!!

I was also able to share my story with a beautiful 21 year old "girl" who is struggling with the decision to have surgery or not. It makes me happy to be able to help others by sharing my experiences. This lap band thang rocks!!

Diet/Fitness App

So I got an e-mail last night from someone who "bumped into my blog" asking my opinion on a diet/fitness app they are working on.

Long story short it is an app that incorporates healthy living and fitness into a RPG (Role-playing game - Sims??). Users will be able to earn points and "level up" and earn badges as they accomplish health goals. Every time you add something healthy to your food log - like whole greens - you earn points.

There will also be charts and graphs to record progress. And there will be a web version for those who don't have smart phones.

So, whaddya think?? Being a Sims junkie (and loving the motivation of this current BOOBS challenge) I think I might like it??

I e-mailed back and said I would like to see the finished product. Anyone else get this e-mail? (Or is SPAM and I'm rambling on and on for no reason??)


***My hubby stopped @ Carl's Jr. for his supper (he picked me up some soup from Chili's) and had the nerve to walk in the door with a strawberry banana smoothie. He saved me a sip. Seriously?? I don't need temptation thrown in my face. Grr. I've been agitated at him ever since. (Confession: I did dip the straw in the stupid cup and taste it...and yeah, it was heavenly.) But I guess that's not a deal breaker because when I added up my calories I'd only had 195 at 4pm....EEK. HOW do you get calories in when you are on liquids??

Do you dream in technicolor??

I do!!! I read or saw somewhere once that we dream in black and white. I don't buy it. Not only do I dream in color but apparently I now dream in musicals. Last night I dreamt that I was in the middle of a musical - with a football team, band, cheerleaders - the whole nine yards. Then I was in the stands waiting to catch one of the footballs thrown in the finale - I caught one but had to fight two kids for it.

Chris says I really need help. My dreams have always been vivid. Preceding the football musical dream I dreamt that I was in an OR about to assist with brain surgery, but first the surgeon had to go smoke a cigarette to calm his nerves. (too much Grey's maybe?)

Then during my morning nap I dreamt that all of our neighbors (Chris's family) were going out to eat and we weren't invited. They were all dressed in Christmas outfits - even though it's hotter than Hades here. I went to help them with the babies and they wouldn't acknowledge me. So I gave them a big F U, double flipped them the bird, and went home - where they were blowing up my phone.

SO, yeah. Maybe I need to have my head examined.

Back to Basics - like, for reals.

Whoa baby. Today's fill has really brought me "back to basics." I have a band in there. You know that contraption that helps you lose weight??? DUH!!! I'm sipping, not guzzling. I had soup (about 3/4 cup) for lunch...and I am still satiated (that's a word I haven't used in a while!) I CAN survive on small amounts!!! I can sip, sip, sip.

I was even going to whip out my Lap Band Bible. (the thing I carried around with me everywhere the first few months...) BUT I can't find the darn thing. In the process of looking for it I did clean out the china closet - where junk mail goes to die. I will find it...and post some schtuff from it because it is a really helpful little book!!!

NSV: I went to the local cafe and picked up Chris's supper. A mouth watering chicken fried chicken, fries, green beans and rolls. I cut up his chicken (because he is spoiled and I always cut his meat) and didn't even want a bite!!! I just sipped on my tomato soup like a good bandster!!!

Right now my tummy is growling and I know that I got nowhere near enough calories, protein, etc today. (I tried Muscle Milk this am....eeewwww grossssss) so I will sip my "cut" tea (unsweet with a splash of sweet from Sonic) and go to bed.  A grumbly tumbly kind of makes me happy - it means I am on track!! AND the track is where I will be first thing in the morning!!! (I tend to ramble more on an empty stomach!!!)
QUESTION: so, what's the deal with option to follow blogs you are already following using "Friend connect" It sooo confuses me!!!

Dukes of Hazzard-style

I woke up this morning and made my list of grown up chores: oil change, tire rotation, FILL, shopping for necessities.

All was going well. I was on time at the lube shop. In, out, no problem - right?? WRONG. I went to get in the truck and the friggin' handle was BROKEN. Door would not OPEN. So I marched my fanny back in the shop and demanded to know what happened to my handle. The guy who did the tires didn't know. The guy who did the oil didn't know. Then I FINALLY got the guy who drove the truck onto the rack to admit it had broken when he opened the door. SERIOUSLY?? What are you, THE HULK??? It really pissed me off that they didn't have the testicular fortitude to own up to it. Sooo... they sent me to a body shop (they said just tell them to charge it to Ben's....does stuff like this happen often???) but of course they can't fix it until Wednesday. So in the mean time it's either crawl in through the passenger's side OR Bo and Luke Duke it!! (And I am way too short for that!!!!)

On the other hand: NSV....pretty sure a year ago I would not have been able to get my fat butt across the front seat...so YAY for that!!!!

The fill went smoothly. The place was packed because the surgeon had been on vacay. You really hear some interesting stuff when sitting in the waiting room of a bariatric surgeon. There was a woman who had had bypass - she started out weighing over 400 pounds and now weighs 210. She said she was happy with her weight. She has a lot of extra skin, but her husband is the only one who sees her naked and he "has eyes for it." LOL Then she said she buys her clothes small and just stuffs the extra skin in and "makes it look hot." She was a riot!!!

They did the fluoroscopy - said everything looks good. According to the doctor's scale I weigh 224.4 - 105 pounds GONE!!! (Too bad I can't use that weight for the challenge!!) The doctor came in said I was doing good, gave me .5cc's, told me to drink my water because it was a drastic fill at this point (total of 7.5cc's in my band) and then proceeded to give me the commercial on his food line (similar to Nutrisystem but geared toward WLS patients. Pasta, rice and bread that are all band friendly. I haven't tried any yet.)




Here's my insides after the barium went through.

 Now I'm off to have a bit of soup. Happy MONDAY!!!!

Back to Basics - Week 3

Finally, blogger cooperated!!
I actually saw 225.4 on Thursday...but it didn't stick around!!

2 pounds - I'm still celebrating this as a loss!!! {I was going to post my scale pic but Blogger is being a pain} Tomorrow is FILL DAY. SO, I'm hoping for an astronomical loss next week. (3 pounds maybe?? LOL)

**I ate a biscuit today. A WHOLE biscuit!!! Not a fluffy buttermilk biscuit....one of those flat Hungry Jack ones...but it was still bread.

I made the MOST AMAZING roast today for my grandparents!! I actually started it last night. It was the most beautiful black Angus roast ever!! It was pretty tasty, too!!!

Found out this morning that four students got into an accident last night. The car looked like a crushed tin can. The driver has head trauma and a broken neck, one has a punctured lung and the other walked away with scrapes and bruises. The fourth had to have some sort of surgery on her ribs. It breaks my heart for these girls. Being a teacher you get close to so many students and in my school district we (teachers) are sometimes the only stability they have in their lives. It's so easy to get close to these kids and all I want to do is protect them.

So, now I'm off to find some grub....last solids I'll have for a few days!! My surgeon's "fill instructions" are 3 days of liquids, 3 days of mushies and the progress to solid foods. It's like being post-surgery all over again!!!

Some-timers...

So I had this post in my head last night. It even had a "back story." But, I didn't blog it and now it has flown away. Far, far away. I guess now that I am less than two weeks from officially being "in my 30's" I have some-timers. Heaven help me!!! (Although I have seriously contemplating aging backwards!! So yea, I will be 29 in two weeks!!)

I spent the day taking care of my grandparents. It is really the easiest and most enjoyable "job." I finally activated my Kindle app and spent the day reading Jaycee Dugard's Memoir. If you followed her story, or even if you didn't it's a pretty good read.

I am currently TRYING to watch her interview with Diane Sawyer...but a combination of abcnews and my stupid Verizon Internet are driving me crazy. Ugh.

SO, I am pretty sure my band has gotten the memo that we are going in for a fill Monday, because suddenly I have nice restriction and I'm not getting hungry every few hours. Stupid trick. I'm still going for a fill!! I blame the weather or hormones or something on this new found restriction.

Now I am going to throw my pretty pink Dell into the front yard and stomp it to bits. This will count for cardio, right??? Argh!!!

BYOC

It’s Friday so that means it’s BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer questions today in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog if you so desire…and ENJOY!!




1. Let’s do something crazy….I’m going to list the rainbow colors and you type the first FOOD item that pops into your head that symbolizes that color for you…..here’s mine:



Red – Strawberries
Orange – Spanish Rice (Oh how I miss thee)
Yellow – Squash

Green – Mustard Greens (♥)
Blue – M&Ms (Did you know that the color blue is an appetite suppressant???)
Purple – Grapes
Brown – Coffee (with cream - just the way I like it!!)
Black – anything I cooked the first year of marriage!!!




2. What is on your kitchen table right now?


A 1000 piece puzzle that I have been working on all summer!!!


3. What movie do you watch again and again and again? Not like what movie have you seen 5 times…but like what movie have you seen 30 times or more?


We don't watch many movies, but there are a handful that I've seen over and over and over.

• The Sandlot (I was so obsessed with it that I recorded it on to a CASSETTE tape to listen to in the car on a long road trip - because I am prehistoric and there were no portable vcrs back then!!!)
• Dirty Dancing - my first love was Johnny.
• Grease

I also went to the movies and saw Titanic seven times. Yes, 24 hours of my life were spent in the theater with Leo. Sickening, right??





4. If Satan had a last name – what would it be?

Dagrepont. I am convinced that my American Realism prof. in college was Satan. Or Hitler. He was a evil evil man....who looked like a tomato with legs. And the reason I switched my minor from English to History.



5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blogland and in real life.

In blogland: There's a contest for a cool scale.

Check it out!!

In real life: All is well. I'm getting really bored with summer. So bored that I created a Twitter. I NEED to go back to work!! Follow me =)

Shoulda had a V8

I went in for my B12 shot yesterday. I skipped it last week. DUH...no wonder I've been a sloth. I feel a bit more human now!!!

On Wednesday Banding and beyond posted about her second fill. She included a YouTube clip (not her) of a fill. So I asked Chris if he would like to see what it looked like when I get a fill. I hadn't seen the clip yet and I assumed that all fills were created equal.

**Disclaimer** If you are newly banded and have never had a fill, I wouldn't watch this clip. Unless you are a sadist. OMG. If any of you have similar fill experiences, I am SORRY!!! This completely grossed me out!! I'm not sure I would have gone through with the surgery at all!!

My fills look something like this: Dr. Spiegel and a nurse walk in (I thought it was common protocol for your surgeon to give the fills, but I've learned in blogland that often this is not the case), a little chit chat, then I lay back, put my arms above my head, he feels for the port, deadens it (I think - I never look, but I will be watching Monday), inserts the mile-long needle, fills me up and wam-o, I'm done!! It takes about the same amount of time it took for the deadening in the video. I then sit in the waiting room for 15 minutes sipping my water to make sure I'm not too tight. Then I'm out the door. Easy peasy.

Also, EVERY time I go in I do the fluoroscope. Just a swig of barium and a quick peek to make sure everything is ok. I also plan on taking a picture of my insides Monday if they will let me. I think it's super duper cool.

Daddy update: all blood levels are in normal range!!! They upped his BP meds (yesterday's BP was 190/110 in the dr. office) and he has to stop eating all the crap he snacks on. Other than that, all is well. What a relief!!

I saw a new low on the scale this morning!!! But, I'm going to keep it under wraps and see if it sticks around for the Sunday weigh-in. I can't believe the scale moved because I haven't worked out since last Friday.

I'm a TV junky. During the school year there are only a handful of shows I watch. Grey's Anatomy is numero uno...then a handful of sitcoms and the Discovery Channel.

Any of you ladies watch Roseanne's Nuts?? I thought it would be stupid but I caught myself watching last night. And I literally LOLed!!!

Another one of my faves is Swamp People!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Next Friday I'm going to a meet and greet with 5 of the cast members!!! I'm so excited!!! (If you watch, my dad could be Troy Landry's brother!!)

Have a fan-tab-ulous Friday!!!!





Wednesday confessions

It is Wednesday and I shall confess:

• I've totally fallen off the workout wagon. For the past year working out has been an obsession. Now, not so much. *sigh*
• I have a nasty habit. I'm a smoker. I will quit. Someday. 
• I really wish I was going to Chicago. BUT, it falls in the middle of football season - deal breaker.
• I hate doing laundry. Totally loathe it. I think if my washer and dryer worked at the same pace I could be better at it - probably not, but maybe.
• I really want to go back to college. I miss the first day of class and fresh pencils and notebooks. I miss learning. If I had one educational wish - I want to go back and get training to be an athletic trainer.
• I want to get my masters. Not that I would make any more money. I really want to get my masters through the Texas A&M online program. Just so I can have the ring.
• I totally scarfed a HUGE bowl of salad this afternoon. I was having a serious lettuce craving (better than chocolate or Cheetos, right??). But now I feel like caca. I really wish I didn't have to feed my hubby tonight.
• I can't remember the last time I shoved chocolate in my pie-hole. (NSV??? I think so!!!)
• I had good intentions of working on my Spanish 3 curriculum today. I even took my bag out of the truck. And it is still staring at me from my desk.
• I haven't had the urge to go to work all summer. Normally I am scheming and planning for the next school year. I have a new classroom...I need to get it in order...but I'm not in the mood.
• Life is pretty boring this summer. BUT I didn't sleep the day away. I even went swimming this afternoon.

 

Happy hump day girls!!!

 

Summer is killing me!!!

I swear, before the summer is over I'm going to just fall out. My sleep schedule is all wacky. We don't go to bed until 11:30 or 12:00. Then it's up at 5 to get the hubby off to work. I nap a little in the morning...and then a little in the afternoon. I need one block of sleep...not a bunch of naps. Ugh.

Daddy update: he went to the doctor today. BP was 180/108...so he had blood work, EKG, and a chest xray. The doctor sent him home with meds and he has to go back on Thursday. Until then he has to rest - which means no work!!! I know it's killing him to stay home, but he really needs the R & R.

Being the wonderful wife that I am, I went to town today and bought my DH NCAA 12. So, now I'm a XBox widow!! He looks forward to this game all year. To him, it signifies the beginning of football season. This, coming from a man who never ever watched football on Sundays (and still rarely does). BUT, he does love college ball. He says at the college level the boys still play for the love of the game. He is also planning to take a day off when high school two-a-days start (in less than 3 weeks!!)...because, after all,we live in Texas. Here high school football is a religion.

Even though I drive 45 minutes one-way to work everyday and could make a lot more money if I worked at a school closer to home, I wouldn't. I love my small school - but above all else I love the football program.

Blood sucking vampires

...and not even the statue-esque sparkly kind. So I went in for my bloodwork today - hubby had to work so we had to reschedule his test for next week. I didn't know they wanted ALL of my blood. 12 vials of it to be exact. Seriously??

I felt fine when I left the office...made it all the way home (stopping for coffee on the way, of course) but I felt icky and crummy for the rest of the day. So, I was a sloth. On the upside, I had no appetite. =)

I cannot wait for my fill next Monday. I will NOT take another hiatus from my surgeon. I wanted to lose a lot more weight between fills, but obviously I NEED a fill to help me do that.

Currently I'm really worried about my dad. He has basically been going non-stop for the past 18 months - since my Grandpa had a stroke in December of 2009. Since then the three boys rotate staying at night. Plus Daddy works 12-16 hour days, 7 days a week. He is also responsible for taking care of things around the house - both his and his parents. (Chopping wood, tending to the cows, the garden, etc). I've seen my dad age 10 years in the last 18 months. Momma worries about him all the time. He is a "tough guy" who never complains and just takes care of business. Today at work he had to take a breathing test (regulations) and when they took his blood pressure it was sky-high. Needless to say, Momma was a basketcase. His younger brother finally talked him into going to the doctor tomorrow - that's a relief. Now, I just pray that it can be controlled with meds.

BOOBS challenge week two weigh-in was a huge disappointment - after weighing in at 226 at the doctor's office on Wednesday my Sunday weigh-in was 228...only .2 down from last week. Bah humbug.

Tomorrow, however, is a brand new day.

"There's no way of knowing what tomorrow brings,

Life is too short to waste it. I say bring on anything."

~69~

***This is not related the homework given to me by my fertility specialist!!!***

I have 69 followers!!! YAY!!! (and you guys thought this was going to be a nasty post - shame!!!) Too bad blogger is being finniky and won't let me see who my followers are!!!

I started this post yesterday morning before 6am...and now that I am finally getting around to finishing it, I actually have 70 followers!! I love you all!!

Of course, blogger is being a big fat weinie this morning....I can't even comment!!!! GRRRR.

Life is pretty dull at the moment. Chris took his test Friday - he said there were a lot of physics type questions...he feels semi-confident about it. We shall see - if they call for an interview. I think they are going to start hiring in September. Apparently it is a long, drawn out process.

The whole not stepping on the scale thing is not working for me. I hopped on last night (after spending the day taking care of my grandparents - in the sweat box) and it was up...228.2. The EXACT weight from last Sunday. I don't know what to blame for this. I ate pretty good (I now know that even eating the ends off of taquitos is BAD BAD BAD) worked out, (I bought some exercise bands a few weeks ago and I started Friday...talk about a workout.) and drank water like it was going out of style. BUT I have yet to drag my butt back to the track. I HAVE to get back in the habit of running and doing bleachers. I have an excuse everyday...but no more!!!

I have a fill a week from tomorrow...thank GOD. I haven't had a fill since January!!! Bad, bad bandster.

I think I need to make an appointment with my nutritionist. I see that a lot of you have regular appointments with yours. Can you believe that I haven't seen mine since my pre-op appointment?? (again, bad bandster) She has this thing-a-ma-bob that helps with the batwings. I'm not sure how it works, but I'm ready to find out!!!

Back to basics....back to basics....back to basics. I've made signs. They are on the fridge and the bathroom mirror. I can do this. I just have to remember what I was feeling one year ago. When I was in love with my band. When I feared my band.

Leaving on a happy note! NSV - when I was getting dressed to go to the doctor on Wednesday I decided to try on a super cute top I bought before school let out. I never wore it because the material touched my skin (I still like my tops kinda baggy) and it was itchy. When I tried it on...it was too big!! I can't tell you how many tops I have bought since surgery that have never been worn because I've waited too long to wear them!!!



Secret Bandits

Stace Ready to Realize at has a really good idea for a "secret bandits." Check it out!!

BYOC

It's FRIDAY so that means it's BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy! Brought to you by the one and only Drazil! We answer a couple of questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy and paste and answer in your own blogs if you'd like!! ENJOY!!




1. If you were asked to symbolize yourself as an animal – which animal would you be?

I would like to be a zebra. Black and white stripes look sooo good with pink :)

2. Did you ever play an organized sport – with coaches, rules and scoring? Tell us about it.

I played basketball from the time I was 7 or 8 until I was 13. I wasn't the best, and I usually fouled out - but I had fun!!! I also played volleyball in 8th grade. I actually managed to step on a player from the other team!! Athlete I am NOT!!!!


3. When did you start shaving your legs?

It was 6th grade. I remember being do excited about my first day of school outfit - a read shorts set with white paisleys all over it with white keds and red socks. I saw all my friends had started shaving their legs - I was the only hairy animal!!! That night, momma "Naired" my legs. I've hated shaving ever since. (and I'm one of the stupid ones that started shaving my arms - so now I am stuck doing that too!!)


4. When you’re in a crabby – pissy – want to stab everyone you see kind of mood – what do you do to get out of it or do you revel in it?

Apparently, I'm not allowed to be in a bad mood (according to my husband.) However, when I am super pissy I just want to be left alone. I've been known to shut the door, not answer the phone and just be a hermit!!!
5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blogland and in real life.

In real life I've been super lazy. However, I have done pretty well on the the eating thing. I am not snacking during the day and if I want a late night snack I chose FRUIT!!!! And, I've separated myself from the scales!!!

In blogland....I continue to get inspiration!!!

Today is the big Day!!!

My hubby's big day. He tests for a job at a local plant. We live on the "refinery corridor" (I totally just made that up). From Lake Charles to Houston there are a ton of plants....refineries mostly - Chevron, Exxon, blah blah blah. Today he tests for DuPont - I think this plant makes plastic or something or the other. But anywho, everyone who is anyone works in a plant. Those people who live in the big brick houses are all "plant people." He is so nervous!!! He told me the other night this test is worth at least $60,000 a year. I have tried to keep him from psyching himself out about it...but I know he is scared!!

Of course, this means that he is in my hair  home with me today. Crimping my summer style!! But that's ok, I guess!!

I've been so lazy this week. I don't know why. Maybe ovulating makes me sluggish??? Sure, that sounds like a good excuse!!! I have gotten my workouts in...just one per day instead of the three I planned. I don't know why I can't get motivated. I guess because I have hit the point in my journey where I have to work to hard for the scale to move - the instant results of last summer are long gone.

NSV alert...yesterday I was driving down the highway and noticed my bicep. It is pretty. Unfortunately, the jingly jangly flab monster otherwise known as a tricep leaves something to be desired. Why oh why is that one muscle soooo hard to tone???? Not to mention my lower abdomen!!!???!! Ick. And I'm starting to notice some serious elefante skin on my inner thighs. I guess daisy dukes are out of the picture - but that's ok. I'm too told for that anyway!!! (SO I guess that was a NSV and whinefest all rolled into one!!!)

Now, I am going to step away from the computer and do something productive. Maybe!!



It's Friday!!!

First

I just received my very first blogger award!!! Thanks Stace!!!

The Rules

1. Thank the person who gave you this award and link back to them in your post

2. Tell us 10 things about yourself

3. Nominate your bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and let them know you have nominated them

10 things about me:

1. I am an only child.

2. I teach high school Spanish.

3. I love playing Rock Band with my hubby.

4. I love my truck!!! It's a total girl truck.

5. July is my birthday month and I love my birthstone - Ruby.

6. My grandmother was my favorite person on the planet. It's been 6 years since she went home and I miss her everyday.

Aunt Ida, Uncle Poss, and Grandmother (maybe 1994ish??)

 

7. I worked at a Day School teaching pre-k during college.

8. I have naturally kinky curly hair.

9. I love football - especially high school and college.

10. Without blogging and my blogger family I don't think I would be where I am today.

My inspiration (aka the nominees):

http://gummiwormbandit.blogspot.com/

http://lifeofahopefulloser.blogspot.com/

http://alapbandblog.blogspot.com/

I would keep going, but after 10:30 my brain turns to mush!!!!

Busiest Day of the Summer

So, I had a pretty busy day. Not productive - but busy...kinda. Here's the rundown - bullet style.

• I had my appointment at the "Center of Reproductive Medicine" bright and early.
• I show up EARLY (miracle)
• I have a consult with the doctor. She outlines the first few steps of this process:
• Super fun examinations (and a ultra sound - and not the kind you see on TV, if ya get my drift)
• 1st thing she says...(seriously, do they teach these doctors to carry on a conversation when you are in the stirrups??) "Wow, your uterus is beautiful!"
• Next she says, "Hey you are about to ovulate!! Looks like you have homework tonight!"
• Then, "You have three cysts on your ovary. I want to check these out again in a few weeks."
• THEN...when it was all over I almost fell off the stupid table and landed with all my weight on my pinky toe - graceful as an elephant.
• A couple of "cultures" for bacteria
• Set up appointment for Chris's analysis (Next Monday, the 11th)
• Set up appointment for my bloodwork (Also next Monday)
• Set up appointment for bloodwork/analysis followup and another ultrasound (joy)
• A possible HSG to check out my remaining left tube.
• Been there, done that - don't really want to go through it again.
• BUT, they do give Valium ;)
• I really don't want to have to go all the way to Houston for the procedure...
• All-in-all, I feel pretty good about the appointment - I mean, I found out for sure that I do ovulate from my remaining ovary, so tonight's "homework" felt like it had a purpose. And believe me, we were trying for an 'A'
• We have more homework for the next two nights...;)
• After the appointment, I took my first trip to Barnes & Noble!! (I live in the sticks and don't get out much!!)
• I'm in LOVE. I forgot how much I love the smell of new books.
• I bought two hardback on clearance for $6 a piece (1 Stephen King and the last book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.)
• I finally broke down and spent the money on Photoshop for Dummies.
• Chris bought me the program for Valentine's Day and I haven't touched it because it is overwhelming!!
• That's where the "busy" ends!! I came home, took a nap, woke up made coffee and spent the evening with my hunny, relaxing.
• Which means I have some makeup to do tomorrow in the exercise department!!!!

I've rambled enough for one day...time to hit the sack!!!

Welcome to the meat locker...

Ahhhh, there's nothing better in the whole wide world than the feel of central air. Our a/c has never been this cold!!! Paradise!!

I want to thank all of you that have helped me with my protein dilemma!!! I will head to the grocery store or maybe GNC tomorrow after my torture session doctor's appointment.

Tomorrow I have my first appointment with a fertility specialist. Hopefully I will leave there with some glimmer of hope. I know the first thing she is going to tell me - your hubby needs to be checked. I will drag his butt kicking a screaming so he can take the "test." I just keep having these mental images of the scene in the Good Girl (a strange movie with Jennifer Aniston and Jake Gyllenhaal).

I just totally had a brain fart...anything else I wanted to blog about just flew out of my left ear. I guess it's bedtime!!!


***Oh yeah, I got a strange phone call today. It was the middle school principal from a school in my area wanting to know if I would be interested coming in for an interview. It took all I had not to laugh out loud!!! Middle School?? Are you kidding me?? I refuse to teach freshmen....I don't really like sophomores until the second semester!! NO way José!!

Chillaxin'

My hunny came home early last night to take a look at our outside unit. He didn't have any parts and was unable to fix it!!! Fortunately, a lovely, wonderful, saint that Chris works with let us borrow a window unit. Between the one in our bedroom and the borrowed one the in dining room it was soooo cold in here you could hang meat!!!

The service tech showed up bright and early this morning. Good thing about living in a small town...everybody knows everybody!!! I used to take care of his baby girl (who is going into the 8th grade this year - feeling a bit ancient). But, I digress. Long story short: the outside unit is SHOT!!! Kaplooey!

I have the absolute best set of parents in the entire world. Hands down, without a doubt. They are amazing. They are also buying us a new outside unit. On my teacher salary and Chris' mechanic salary we live comfortably...just no savings!! The new unit should be installed today. Our old one wasn't exactly energy efficient, so this should help on our light bill too!!!!

On the band front: my scale finally gave me my 226 back this morning!!! YAY....now, let's hope it sticks around....or I will trade it in on 225....or 4....or anything less!!!

Since I gave up my Special K shakes I am really not into the protein shakes. I've only tried the Jillian Michael's and they aren't horrible. Just not too appetizing. I have found that I can eat a little bowl of cereal...if I take my time (about an hour). I've just got to find something high in protein that works for me.

That's my big downfall. I never pay attention to the amount of protein I get. I just eat. I really need to make that a priority. And I shall. What are your high protein go-tos??

I did Yoga first thing this morning. Boy howdy, it's harder than it looks!! I was sweating and grunting!! Next step today is some Boxing and then running this evening. My new goal is to work out 3 times a day for at least 30 minutes. My arms are looking flabbier than I want and me no likey!!!

It's getting HOT in here!!

I played the part of a good wife this morning. I got dressed, went to town with intentions of buying Chris a new cell phone. Of course, the Verizon store doesn't sell the Droid X in stores anymore. They only had the X2 and I wasn't paying $229 for it.

So, I gave up on that and went to the grocery store. This is something that I am vowing to get into the habit of doing weekly. Usually I just pick up what I need from our local grocery store - which is super expensive.
I was doing all the good - came home, cleaned out fridge, put away groceries, fixed lunch, ordered a cell phone. But I noticed it was kind of warm in the house. I checked the air coming out of the vents - warm. EEEKKK!!!! Heat index today is supposed to be 105-110.

Thankfully, Chris is a a/c man by trade. I have my fingers crossed that it's only low on freon. That would be an easy - and free - fix!!! Otherwise, who knows if he will be able to fix it. Thankfully we have a window unit in our bedroom. If all else fails I will become a hermit.

On the bright side, in these sauna-like conditions maybe I will sweat off a pound or two!!!

Happy Independence Day!!!!

BOOBS Challenge - Week 1

Mr. Scale is a sadist. A meanie head. I don't like him. I weighed in at 226 on Wednesday and held steady...until today.

And apparently blogger hates me too. I don't know why this picture is upside down. Grr. I guess everyone can just do a quick handstand!!!! And I've seriously considered a toe transplant. Fred Flintstone feet.

Speaking of handstands...Chris and I have evening handstand contests in the pool. I totally whipped his butt tonight...a record 21 second handstand!!! Not bad for a girl who doesn't even like to get her face wet!!!

Now I'm off to watch Finding Bigfoot!!!

Keep it real, ladies!!!

Quick question

Is there an android app where I can read AND comment? With my google reader app I can read but not comment. I have to use my web browser to comment and it is a pain in the butt!!

AMAZING shoes!!!

So, I just found the MOST amazing shoe website!!! If you are a shoe lover like me CHECK IT OUT!!!

 
Oh, and did you know that pickles are FREE...as in calorie free??? Woot!!

BYOC (late: the story of my life!)

1. Let's stick with the pictures/exercise and shoe topic and post a picture of (or describe) your work out shoes.

My old faithful Nike Shox. I know they aren't the best for running - but they are my third pair of Shox and I love love LOVE them!!!








2. Again with the summer/hot theme of the week....what does your current swimsuit look like?


I currently have three swimsuits!! (A year ago I wouldn't be seen dead in ONE!!) I have a Hawaiian-ish tankini with a cute skirty bottom, a pink tankini with Hibiscuses (??weird looking word??) with boy shorts bottoms and another tankini that is orange/brown with flowers and a skirty bottom.



3. Do you lay out, fake bake, sunless spray tan or use tanning lotion?


I am addicted to being TAN and TOASTY!!! I love to fake bake...especially during the school year when I can't bask in the sun!!! It's the best 10 minute nap!!! I wake up totally refreshed and alert - which is a good thing...that way I don't fall asleep on my 45 minute commute!!!
In the summer I spend as much time as I can in the sun...in the pool of course!!!




4. Describe your week in blogland and in real life.



In real life I actually had to get dressed, put on makeup and leave the house....it was TORTURE!!!! Other than a sleepless night - which turned into a day of being completely USELESS...it was a great week!!! I started the biggest loser ultimate workout and watched what I shoved into my mouth (except for that little bit of chicken fried chicken Friday night...which I totally paid for...I was miserable and laid on the couch for an hour afterwards!!!)

We were all lazy Friday!! Chico snuggled to Snott and Taco's butt!!

As far as blogland....I continue to branch out, read blogs, comment and get INSPIRATION!!! AND I am super pumped about the BOOBS challenge!!!

All that without the butt crack

Oh yeah!! 

I just single-handedly fixed our toilet!!! For over a year there has been a constant trickle in the potty. It was enough to drive you batty!! The hubby - who is great and awesome and wonderful - never seemed to find the time to fix it. So, picture this:

I'm sitting on the bathroom counter inspecting my face - suddenly I'm hitting puberty. Icky pimples. As I'm staring at my pores in the bathroom mirror the sound of the trickly toilet is getting on my last nerve.

So, I take the lid off the tank...inspect the inner workings. I compose a theory - it has to be that ball thingy on the rod that is making the water trickle through. So...I go to the second bathroom - we never use it - take the ball thingy on the rod off (and wedge a piece of Styrofoam under the whatcahmacallit to stop the water from running.) I put in on our toilet -

 shazaam!! 

I make the entire situation 10x worse!!! So then I decide it's the whatchamacallit that is the problem so I put a tampon - yes, a tampon under the whatchamacallit to stop the water from flowing, run to the back bathroom, get THAT whatchamacallit (after spending 10 minutes looking for a screw driver) turn off the water to that toilet and put it on our toilet.

VOILA!!

No more trickle!!


I blame these escapades on the fact that I got two hours of sleep last night. Insomnia + old episodes of SVU kept me up 'til 3:30. Sleep deprivation = super plumber!!! Oh yeah!!!! 


Happy Friday, ladies!!!!